The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. (Mt 28:16-17)
Today, these words from Scripture stopped me in my tracks... I have a tendency to doubt! There are times I forget God's goodness; times I fail to trust His plan for me.
A spirit of discouragement has been plaguing me lately! When I'm faced with turmoil in my family; when I watch my children struggle and solutions just don't seem to come as quickly as I'd like them to... I'm prone to frustration and discouragement. I know God's working on my behalf. I know His plans for me are good, but it's so hard to trust when I cannot see... When things around me look bleak, and things appear to get worse, it's difficult to trust!
God is oh, so gentle with me! He reminds me to look at the Cross... to gaze on love poured out for me. And as I look to Jesus, I'm prompted to ask for the gifts of patience and perseverance as I wait and trust in God. I take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus understands my struggles because He came as close as He could to His children: He walked in our skin; He endured more than we will ever have to suffer... all for love of us!
As I listen to the words of Scripture, there is consolation in hearing that the disciples who walked with Jesus worshiped yet doubted. And perhaps the answer lies in Jesus' response to their doubt... He approached them; He came closer to them and spoke to them- there is power in His presence and His word! He reminded them that He was greater than their doubt and fear; that all power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. Then, He commissioned them to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Mt 28:18-20)
My heart's translation: Don't sit here and focus on fear and struggles and solutions you cannot yet see! I am with you. Go, and teach others about My love...
The enemy wants us to wallow in discouragement and doubt. Maybe the antidote to doubting is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus; to worship and praise Him in the midst of doubt. Perhaps we avoid succumbing to the enemy's lies by calling on the Holy Spirit to lead us to truth: Jesus is The Way, Truth and Life!
And on the hard days, may we remember Jesus' promise that He is with us always... to the end of the age. What comfort!
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